Arirang

I went to see the Arirang Exhibition at Korean National Folk Museum on May 2012. The exhibition lasted until May 21 so I had the privilege to be able to see it with my own eyes. First thing first, this is the facade of the museum which located just around the corner of Gwanghwamun Palace. It was drizzling (as if the weather itself welcome the exhibits)...

This is the Arirang sign written at the entrance to the hall where the exhibition was held. One more thing: I could not take ANY pictures from the displays inside since it was prohibited. Too bad, right? But, I guess it has some copyrights issue or something. But, it does not matter since I could just remember what I learned and what I saw through the exhibition. And what are those?

I just realized that Arirang is much much more than just a folk song or Korea's most beloved folk song. It shows more like the pinnacle, the pedestal, the essence of Korean life. It transcends all aspects of lives in the minds of Korean people. Who could argue that this now has been unofficially dubbed as another Korean national anthem--sort of like that. Due to its deeply rooted heritage that it has left off, for sure.

So, here are the highlights or wrap ups of what I learned:

1. I guess the government of Korea must'e done so much work to do and lots of rigorous efforts to collect and then compile the myriads arrays of Arirang-related products ranging from small trivial stuffs as simple as pencil case until the once popular disk or any electronic gadgets right until the 90s.

2. I did not know that there used to be Arirang cigarettes! ow nice.^^ Endless types of products whose brands were 'Arirang' were the the highlights of the exbition.

3. A lot of people in Korea sing or lullaby the song in almost every occasion of their life, be it when they are happy or sad. Arirang could just slip into the minds of Koreas' life through its perpetual indication of joy and sorrow at the same time.

4. Last bust not least: Arirang products were mostly of common devices mostly used by the lower and middle classes. This simple fact truly indicates that Arirang does indeed reflect Korean's social reality (up until 90s to be the least).

Koreans should be / must be so proud of having such an intangible heritage called Arirang.

Bulgogi @ Insadong

Bulgogi? I think most Koreans love bulgogi or marinated barbecued beef (or chicken or pork). But, I think the one being served right here in this restaurant is the beef one. At least the one that we ordered. See the ambiance of the restaurant. It is a traditional yet modernly decorated one, right?

All of my friends ordered bulgogi, complete with its side dishes and rice.

The one we had was more like a 4-person menu so they could share the bill, later ^^. But, not to worry because the reason we had the bulgogi here is to experience the authentic Korean cuisine with the complimentary of the Korean Brand Communicator of which we are the member. ^^ How nice is that?^^

I ordered another dish specially for me, and it was bibimbab-like menu or mixed rice with lots vegetables on it. But, the one I ordered is a bit different since we had this heavily or strongly scented dwenjang (fermented soybeans) that I got to put into the vegetables so as to bring about the flavor.

A close-up look at the bulgogi that we ordered. There was a lot of mixed veggies on it that this meal serves itself as one of the most sought after meal, for its being healthy. Just think: mushroom, sprouts, beans, garlic, and even dates were all dipped and mixed into it.

A nice look on one of the side dishes that we ordered. 

Since I am really into veggies, I think it suited me most.^^

Another angle and shot of the bulgogi. After waiting for about 15 minutes or so, my friends finally got their appetite swagged by the delicacy that this special dish offered. 

Kimchi. What would a Korean meal without kimchi or fermented cabbage. This hot and spicy, yet refreshing dish is a must-have side-dish in almost all of Korean meal. 

My friends from Korea Brand Communicator: 정재아, 운희경, 윤갱, and Adel. 

This is the alley where we had our bulgogi. I think this is a typical alley that Insadong offers to its visitors. Lots of yogwan or losmen (in Indonesian) or hostels are mingled with cafes, restaurants, and tea-houses. 

It somewhat reminded me of Prawirotaman or any alleys that I used to find back home in Malioboro, Jogjakarta. A similar look reminded me of my hometown.

Inside the Korean Tea House

Being soaked into the depth and scent of the Korean tea house was like another journey into the olden day of Korea's heyday when tea houses dotted the landscape of Korean society. It is completely different from today's modern world Korea where coffee has somewhat replaced the facades of most streets in Korea. 

Ok, just look at the wall right there: see the China ware and the bamboo-made ornament being attached there there? it's the first cool impression that I got.

AND NOW....we were so lucky that it was raining that day. What's more? since it was a raining day, so we got 10% discount!!!! Yippey what could be more enticing than this, then?

Another corner of the tea house. Ok, some may think that this is a bit overwhelmingly crowded for a tea house. But, I think that's what it was meant to be. The interior must've been intended to be so.

Some visitors could just look or admire or wonder or maybe just ignore or overlook the intricate details on the walls. If one could look at it a little bit closer, one may find something that could interest him.

let me break it down: a lamp^^, a bunch of dried persimmon, a bulk of dried corns, yarns, and...others that I  need to scrutinize more to find out what they were. The thing was...there could be myriad or endless arrays of things to behold.

A traditional kerosene-lamp was there, too. IT think it was a sight not to be missed in the modern city like Seoul. This is truly a remarkable item intact.

......-....... 

And...that was all about it. Should I recommend it to anyone? sure. Just brave yourself and go into the alleys at Insadong and brash up for an adventure into Korea's past.

Lost in the midst of Tea - Scented Alley

where else..but...in Insadong. Insadong being the famous place for all-antique-traditional and at times at the same time...contemporary blend of Korean culture is a place to be when you are into something like old-day Korean tea-house.

and..that's where we were going to that day. Along with a bunch of friends from the Presidential Council on Nation Branding in Korea, we went there to sip and enjoy the ubiquitous atmosphere being offered there. I had seojeonghwa or a cinnamon tea. (I think this was what I drank). And the best part about this place...was that...no matter how much you drink...all the snacks or gwaja are free. So, we got served with ample of Korean traditional gwaja

This was the door leading to the tea house that we went to. If only the red-mark notice on the door was omitted, it would've been nicer...giving more an authentic traditional look on it. ^^

Korea-Japan Cultural Show

Heoreum Theater at The National Theater of Korea. It was a bit windy and cold evening. But, we were so excited to be there since we were about to see the Cultural fusion between Korea and Japan.

In front of the lobby during the intermission.

 My Friend from India, Kumar, has got the best seat in the middle. 

We ll, during the preparation we could just take pictures of ourselves. 

But...too bad..we were not allowed to take any pictures during the show.

May 16, 2012. 

국립극장에서 봤던 한일문화교류 연작시리즈 첫 번째가 정말 흥미진진했다. 아주 멋있었다. 한국 전통무용은 물론 있었죠.^^ 한국 발레와 일본 발레까지 직접 볼 수 있어서 정말 기뻤다. 더 이상...

.더욱 재미있는 건 없는 줄 알았는데 내가 틀렸었다. 

It was such a thrilling show. VEry Veery creative. Of course, apart from being able to see the Korean traditional musical dances,  we could also see the Korean ballet.

한국 전통군무 주로....복의 대합주 (?)란 공연이 참 눈의 보양이었다. 

그런 표현이 있는데 귀(?)의 보양 같은 표현이 있을 까? ^^ 크고 작은 북들은 한자리에 모아, 각각의 북들의 소리의 높낮이 및 크기의 차이를 느낄 수 있어서 와......신났다. ^^

It was really a feast to the eyes and ears. I was impressed by the percussion show which showed all kinds of percussion from small tiny parts until the huge ones for us to be able to differentiate the sound in such a rewarding way.

What a great night indeed that was. 

제1부 공연이 흥미로운 여행처럼 그렸다. 제2부 공연은 제1부의 아름다움을 뛰어넘을 수 있을까라고 기대했는데....it just DID. 한국을 대표하는 피아니스트 이루마 씨는 'WOW'한 + 끝없는 뮤직을 보여주었다. 

The first part was like a time travel to the past. The 2nd part was more like a jump into the beauty of contemporary world. Korea's renowned pianist Iruma just wowed us.

Then...I was also flabbergasted by the 조화로운 뮤지컬 퓨전 (fusion) between 사물놀이 (주로 장고+꽹과리)와 일본에서 온 샹샹타이푼 밴드.  간단히 말하면 표현할 수 없는 공연이었다. 

Thanks to 국가브랜드위원회 for providing us with an insightful program like this.^^

After the show, of course...as usual, we took pictures with some of the members who preferred to stay a bit longer.